Caffè Americano
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Caffè Americano

Italy
Italy

Caffè Americano is made by combining an espresso shot with hot water. This results in a coffee that has the same strength as brewed coffee but holding to that espresso taste. The term "Americano" was first used during World War II, when American soldiers in Italy would add water to espresso to replicate the drip coffee they were used to drink back home.

 

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Coffee Beans and Caffeine Content in Americano

Americano is made using the same finely ground coffee beans as espresso, typically a blend of arabica and robusta for a balance of flavor and caffeine. The caffeine content of an Americano is 80mg in one Espresso shot (30ml or 1oz), but it depends on the number of espresso shots used in preparing a Americano. 

 

What's the Difference? Americano vs. Espresso

Though both drinks are made with the same coffee beans and are using an espresso shot as the base, the key difference between an Americano and an espresso lies in the amount of weather used in the process. Americano is an espresso shot with added hot water.

 

How to Make an Americano

Making an Americano is a simple process and requires just an espresso machine and hot water:

  • Prepare the Espresso: Brew a single or double shot of espresso using the espresso machine.
  • Add Hot Water: Dilute the espresso by adding hot water. A typical ratio is 1:2 or 1:3 espresso to water.

 

Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to make a perfect Caffee Americano:

 

 

Americano Variations

Americano is often customized or combined with other ingredients to create variations:

  • Iced Americano: The cold version of Caffe Americano is made by pouring espresso over cold water and ice.
  • Long Black: Similar to an Americano, but the hot water is added first, and the espresso is poured on top, preserving more of the crema (the foam layer on the espresso).
  • Red eye or Shot in the dark: This version is made by combining espresso and instead of adding hot water, we add drip coffee in 1:2 or 1:3 ratio.
  • Americano with Milk: Some people prefer to add a splash of milk or cream to their Americano for an even milder flavor.

 

Americano Facts and Trivia

  • Crema Layer: When preparing an Americano, the order of adding water and espresso affects the crema. Adding water to espresso removes most of the crema, while adding espresso to water (as in the Long Black) keeps the crema intact.
  • Popular in the U.S.: Even though it is considered an Italian coffee made from American influence, Americano is much more popular in the United States.